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BMW Concept iX3: The Future of Electric Mobility

By Anas Assaf

Apr 29, 2018

3 min read

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BMW Concept iX3

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BMW's Electric Mobility Strategy

The BMW Group is advancing its strategy for electric mobility by expanding its offerings in this sector to encompass its core brands. The BMW Concept iX3, unveiled for the first time at the 2018 Beijing Auto Show, offers a glimpse into the future of electric vehicle models. This will be BMW's first fully electric sports activity vehicle (SAV) without compromising on functionality and comfort.

BMW eDrive Technology

Among the innovations showcased in the BMW Concept iX3 are:

The fifth generation of BMW eDrive technology.

The integration of the electric motor, transmission, and power electronics into a separate electric drive unit.

New batteries with increased capacity.

This new suite of technologies brings significant advancements in performance, range, weight, storage space, and flexibility, and will be utilized for the first time in a purely electric SAV.

The Role of BMW i in Sustainable Mobility Development

The unique technical expertise of BMW i has played a crucial role in the development of the fifth-generation electric drive system, indicating that BMW i serves as the foundation for sustainable mobility. The transfer of this technology, originally developed for BMW i vehicles, to models from BMW's core brands marks the beginning of a new era of achievements.

Modern Symbols and Technologies

BMW's electric-only core models will carry the BMW i badge, prominently displayed on the sides and rear of the concept vehicle. The BMW eDrive technology is now part of the hybrid drive system that can be charged via a plug in the BMW iPerformance and MINI Cooper S E Countryman ALL4 models. In this BMW Concept iX3, the integrated development phase of this technology allows for fully electric mobility.

Consequently, the future version of the electric SAV lineup will benefit from the technical foundations that will be employed in the drive system of the upcoming BMW iNext, expected to debut in 2021.

Performance of the BMW Concept iX3

The BMW Concept iX3 combines the multi-faceted driving pleasure characteristic of BMW X models with a local emissions-free drive system. The fifth-generation electric motor designed for the sports activity vehicle produces a maximum power output exceeding 200 kW/270 hp. The high-voltage battery designated for the model has a net capacity of over 70 kWh, sufficient to give the electric SAV a range of more than 400 kilometers according to standardized testing procedures for light vehicles.

Advanced Charging Technologies

The high-voltage battery developed for the fifth-generation eDrive technology features another advantage: improved charging capability. The energy storage system includes a newly developed charging control unit designed to connect with fast-charging stations that deliver up to 150 kW. The high-voltage battery can be charged in about 30 minutes at one of these stations.